Some are perfect souls, who in this life are filled with charity and graces of the Holy Spirit, and sing most sweetly and lovingly to God in Contemplation of Him, with wonderful sweetness and heavenly savour. These because they have most charity and grace of the Holy Ghost shall have the highest reward in the bliss of heaven, for these are called God’s darlings. Others there be, not disposed or enabled to Contemplation, nor having the perfection of charity (as the apostles and martyrs had in the beginning of the holy Church), these shall have a lower reward in the bliss of Heaven, for these are called God’s friends, for thus doth our Lord call them: Eat, O My friends, and be inebriated, O My darlings." (John Climacus)

I will admit that my visceral reaction is to prefer being called friend than darling.

The Greek αγαπημένη can mean sweetheart, dear, beloved, chosen-one. It is usually, but not always, applied to a woman.

My visceral reaction is grounded in self-pride, a desire to remain separate, and a sense of dignity (such as it is).

But truth be known, my dignity is a thin veil that cannot cover the foolish truth and I am unhappy being separated.

In submitting myself wholly to God I might aspire to be called "O my darling."